Advanced Topics › Communication Methods › XCF
XCF
The z/OS Cross System Coupling Facility (XCF) communication method is similar to CTCONLY; however, the virtual control file (VCF) is passed from the master system to client systems through the XCF.
Note: XCF is not available in CA MIM for z/VM complexes.
Benefits
- Provides high performance, especially for CA MII sites
- Provides RMF reporting for optimizing XCF signaling and messaging
- No CTC devices are directly allocated to the CA MIM address space
- Allows for backup master system in case of master system failure
- Is not subject to contention delays associated with DASD I/O
- Requires no coupling facility structure control file
- Requires no shared DASD control file
Requirements
- All systems in the MIMplex must be in a single sysplex
- At least one CA MIM address space defined to manage the virtual control file (VCF)
- At least one checkpoint file must be defined on each system in the MIMplex
- CA Common Services for z/OS